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MLB News

Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.

Friday, September 19, 2025

Ryan Weathers Emerges as Two-Start Streaming Option for Marlins

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Miami Marlins left-hander Ryan Weathers is projected to make two starts in the upcoming final week of the 2025 season, facing tough divisional opponents in the Phillies and Mets. Despite being 'sandwiched around stints on the injured list,' Weathers has performed commendably in his first seven starts this season, recording a 3.21 ERA and 1.22 WHIP with a 29/10 K/BB ratio over 33 2/3 innings. While his strikeout rate is noted as limited, the increased volume from two starts makes him a 'nice streaming option' for fantasy managers in all leagues.

Chris Sale Dominates Since IL Return, Set for Stellar Two-Start Week

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Atlanta Braves left-hander Chris Sale is poised to be a top option for the final week of the 2025 MLB season, projected for two favorable home starts against the Nationals and Pirates. Since his return from the injured list, Sale has been in dominant form, showcasing a remarkable 1.75 ERA and 0.74 WHIP over 25 2/3 innings across four starts. During this impressive stretch, he has also recorded a 'ridiculous' 36 strikeouts against just 2 walks. His strong performance and advantageous schedule make him the 'top overall play' for fantasy managers in the season's concluding week.

Giants Rookie Kai-Wei Teng Set for Final Start Against Rockies, Showing Promising Underlying Metrics

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San Francisco Giants rookie pitcher Kai-Wei Teng is slated to make his final start of the season on Friday against the Colorado Rockies at home. The 26-year-old right-hander, despite a 6.41 ERA through seven outings, boasts a more encouraging 3.30 FIP, having allowed only one home run and recording a 33/15 K/BB ratio in 26 2/3 innings. Teng has previously found success against the Rockies, allowing just two runs and striking out eight over 5 1/3 innings in a September 1st outing at Coors Field. His increased slider usage, now at 46%, has proven effective, with opponents batting only .214 against the pitch, making him a viable option for his upcoming start as of September 19, 2025.

Yankees' José Caballero Leads MLB in Steals, Primed for Strong Finish and 50-Steal Mark

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New York Yankees infielder José Caballero, currently leading MLB with 48 stolen bases, is well-positioned for a productive final week of the season. He has been seeing increased playing time at shortstop over Anthony Volpe and is expected to start at least four of the Yankees' final six games against the White Sox and Orioles, including matchups against left-handed pitchers. The Yankees may also prioritize his presence when facing White Sox catcher Edgar Quero, given Quero's recent struggles against base stealers. Caballero is aiming to reach 50 steals, with only Chandler Sampson (42) posing a distant threat to his league lead as of September 19, 2025.

Astros Rookie Zach Cole Shines in Debut, Poised for Strong Finish After Alvarez Injury

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Houston Astros rookie Zach Cole, recently promoted to the majors, has quickly made an impact, going 6-for-18 with two homers and seven RBI in his first five starts. With Yordan Alvarez sidelined again, the 24-year-old outfielder is expected to be a lineup fixture for the final week of the season. Despite not being a top prospect and carrying a high minor league strikeout rate (35%), Cole posted impressive numbers in Double-A and Triple-A this year, including 19 homers and 18 steals. He is projected to have a strong final week, facing a favorable schedule against below-average starters in Sacramento and Anaheim, making him a valuable fantasy pickup as of September 19, 2025.

Shohei Ohtani Discusses Potential Move to Outfield, Expanding Role for Dodgers

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Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani has been a topic of discussion regarding a potential move to the outfield. While specific details are limited, reports from September 19, 2025, indicate Ohtani has been talking about playing the outfield, suggesting an expanded role beyond his current duties. This development comes amidst other league news, including Clayton Kershaw's retirement announcement and the Chicago Cubs clinching a playoff spot.

Houston Astros' Yordan Alvarez suffers significant ankle sprain, Isaac Paredes returns to fill void.

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Houston Astros slugger Yordan Alvarez sustained a "pretty significant" left ankle sprain while running across home plate in Monday's 6-3 victory over the Texas Rangers. Although he was not placed on the injured list, his injury prompted the team to activate Isaac Paredes from the IL to bolster the lineup for their crucial series against the Seattle Mariners. Manager Joe Espada confirmed the severity of Alvarez's injury, highlighting the impact on the Astros as they battle for the AL West title. Paredes' return is timely, providing a much-needed bat in Alvarez's absence as Houston navigates a tight playoff race.

Christian Yelich achieves 100-RBI milestone in triumphant comeback season for Milwaukee Brewers.

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Milwaukee Brewers slugger Christian Yelich has reached a significant career milestone, recording his first 100-RBI season since his 2018 NL MVP campaign. This achievement underscores his successful return from back surgery last August, which prematurely ended his 2024 season. Yelich, who went 2 for 4 with his 100th RBI in a 5-2 win over the Angels, is currently tied for third in the NL in RBIs and has 29 homers. Despite a slow start to the season, hitting below .200 in May, his resurgence has coincided with the Brewers' historic 94-59 record. Manager Pat Murphy and teammates like Caleb Durbin praise Yelich's leadership and impact, noting his .268 batting average and .813 OPS as he prepares for another postseason run.

Yankees ace Max Fried dominates Orioles with 13 strikeouts, setting career highs in wins.

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New York Yankees ace Max Fried delivered a masterful performance against the Baltimore Orioles, striking out 13 batters and allowing just three singles over seven shutout innings in a 7-0 rout. This outing tied his career high in strikeouts and marked a new career best with his 18th win of the season. Manager Aaron Boone praised Fried's athleticism and ability to get outs, noting his effective mix of fastball, changeup, and curveball. Fried, who signed an eight-year, $218 million contract in December, has proven to be a valuable investment, consistently pitching like an ace. His strong performance comes as the surging Yankees have won 17 of their last 24 games, closing within three games of first-place Toronto in the AL East.

Isaac Paredes Set for Return to Houston Astros After Two-Month Hamstring Strain

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Houston Astros All-Star Isaac Paredes is reportedly set to make his return to the lineup after being sidelined for two months due to a hamstring strain. The infielder's anticipated comeback, confirmed on September 19, 2025, is strategically timed ahead of a vital series against the Mariners. Paredes' absence has been a significant factor for the Astros, and his return is expected to provide a crucial boost as the team heads into a key matchup. His recovery from the two-month hamstring injury marks a pivotal moment for the team's performance in the upcoming series.

Trey Yesavage Shines in Blue Jays Debut, Set for Upcoming Starts

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Blue Jays pitcher Trey Yesavage made a memorable Major League debut on Monday, striking out nine Rays across five-plus innings of one-run ball. The 23-year-old right-hander previously amassed an impressive 160 strikeouts in 98 minor-league innings this season, coupled with a 0.97 WHIP. Manager John Schneider has confirmed Yesavage will start again on Sunday, likely facing the Rays once more next week. His strong performance and favorable upcoming matchups make him a highly recommended addition in fantasy baseball leagues as the regular season concludes.

Bryce Harper Tagged as Top Home Run Prop Bet for Friday's MLB Action

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Philadelphia Phillies slugger Bryce Harper has been identified as a top contender for a home run prop bet for Friday's MLB action on September 19, 2025. This recommendation comes from the Inside the Lines team, a group that has demonstrated significant success with their nightly home run picks throughout the season, reportedly being up almost 30 units on the year. Harper's inclusion among the 'best bets' highlights his potential to go deep, making him a key player to watch for those following daily MLB player props. The Inside the Lines blog offers more free daily picks across various sports.

Jonah Tong's Dominant Outing Puts Him in Mets' Postseason Pitching Conversation

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New York Mets pitcher Jonah Tong delivered a largely dominant performance on Thursday, contributing significantly to the team's 6-1 victory over the Padres. His eye-opening start has prompted considerable discussion within the Mets organization regarding their potential postseason pitching staff. Following the game, manager Carlos Mendoza and teammate Pete Alonso, who homered for the fourth consecutive game, both discussed Tong's impressive outing. This strong showing positions Tong as a serious contender for a spot on New York's potential playoff roster, highlighting his impact on the team's pitching plans as the season progresses.

Thursday, September 18, 2025

Christian Yelich Reaches 100 RBIs, Marking Significant Comeback from Back Issues

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Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Christian Yelich achieved a significant milestone on Thursday, driving in his 100th run of the year during the team's 5-2 victory over the Angels. Yelich contributed to the win with a strong 2-for-4 performance at the plate. This accomplishment is particularly noteworthy as it underscores the remarkable progress Yelich has made in returning to form after back issues prematurely ended his 2024 season. The 100th RBI mark, recorded on September 19, 2025, serves as a powerful indicator of his successful road back from injury, solidifying his impact for the Brewers this season.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto Navigates Command Issues in Scoreless Dodgers Start

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Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto delivered 5⅓ scoreless innings against the San Francisco Giants, contributing to a crucial 2-1 victory that extended the team's NL West lead. Despite his effectiveness in preventing runs and yielding only one hit, Yamamoto struggled significantly with his command, issuing a career-high six walks and finding the zone on just 60 of 108 pitches. His high pitch count led manager Dave Roberts to remove him in the sixth inning, leaving a runner for reliever Jack Dreyer. Yamamoto's outing, though scoreless, highlighted ongoing command issues, placing pressure on the bullpen to preserve the narrow lead against Giants ace Logan Webb.

Max Fried Dominates Orioles with Career-High-Tying 13 Strikeouts, Fuels Yankees Playoff Push

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New York Yankees ace Max Fried delivered a stellar performance Thursday night against the Baltimore Orioles, tying his career high with 13 strikeouts over seven scoreless innings in a 7-0 victory. This dominant outing, allowing just three hits and one walk on 87 pitches, marked his MLB-leading 18th win and showcased his return to top form after a mid-season lull. Fried, now 4-0 in September with a 2.05 ERA and 28 strikeouts to seven walks in 26.1 IP, is rounding into playoff shape as the Yankees (86-67) hold the first AL wild card spot. Manager Aaron Boone praised Fried's adjustments and confidence, while Fried emphasized the team's collective effort as they aim to finish strong for the postseason.

Dodgers Ace Clayton Kershaw Announces Retirement, Aims for Championship in Resurgent Final Season

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Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw officially announced his retirement at the conclusion of the 2025 season, expressing he is "at peace" with the decision to go out pitching well and feeling competitive after 18 seasons. Despite missing the season's initial month and a half due to offseason foot and knee surgeries, the future Hall of Famer has enjoyed a resurgent final campaign, posting a 10-2 record with a 3.53 ERA, ranking second in team wins and third in innings pitched. This year, he also notably became the 20th member of MLB's 3,000 career strikeout club. Manager Dave Roberts emphasized Kershaw's profound impact on the team's championship aspirations. Kershaw became emotional thanking teammates and family, stating he will miss the clubhouse camaraderie. He hopes to cap his illustrious career with one more World Series ring before focusing on family life in Texas.

Greene's Dominant One-Hitter Propels Reds in Wild-Card Pursuit

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Cincinnati Reds pitcher Hunter Greene delivered a stellar performance on Thursday night, throwing a one-hitter to lead his team to a crucial 1-0 victory over the Cubs. This dominant outing keeps the Reds firmly in the wild-card chase as the season progresses. Greene's ability to limit the Cubs to just one hit underscores his impact on the Reds' playoff aspirations, demonstrating his effectiveness on the mound in a high-stakes game.

Mets' Kodai Senga Struggles in Second Triple-A Start After Demotion

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New York Mets right-hander Kodai Senga experienced a challenging second start with Triple-A Syracuse since his demotion, pitching 3.2 innings and allowing four runs on six hits and two walks while striking out four batters. His outing against LeHigh Valley saw him struggle significantly in the fourth inning, where he gave up a ground-rule double and a wild pitch, leading to four runs charged to him before being pulled after 81 pitches. This performance was a notable downturn from his first Triple-A start on September 12, where he pitched six strong innings, giving up just one run on three hits with eight strikeouts and no walks. Despite manager Carlos Mendoza's earlier praise for Senga's control in his initial minor league outing, Mendoza indicated that Senga is not a guaranteed lock for the Mets' playoff roster, as the team will select the top 13 players for October.

Pete Alonso 'Locked In' After Fourth Straight Homer, Powers Mets' Postseason Push

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New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso is "locked in," hitting a home run for his fourth consecutive game on Thursday, September 18, 2025. His first-inning solo shot off Randy Vásquez set the tone in the Mets' 6-1 series-clinching victory over the San Diego Padres. Manager Carlos Mendoza praised Alonso, noting his ability to carry the team when he's hot, calling him "pretty dangerous." Alonso's strong play comes as the Mets (79-74) hold the NL wild card's third spot. In Thursday's game, he went 1-for-2 with a walk and a sacrifice fly. Through 153 games this season, Alonso is slashing .270/.345/.526 with 37 home runs and 121 RBI. He expressed satisfaction with seeing pitches in the middle of the zone and capitalizing on mistakes, emphasizing the importance of playing his best baseball at the end of the year for the Mets' postseason aspirations.